In short: Shocking OrganisationIn full: Having done this race in 2008 I would have hoped that the powers that be had listened to feedback then. Not so and if anything the finish area this year was even worse with the family area located some distance from the finish. Sign posting at the finish was nowhere to be seen. As to the to the race itself, the lack of water has been well documented. If you believe that there is a market for 330ml bottles of stolen water in Edinburgh you need to check you head for a zip up the back. Enough said.Date of review: July 6, 2009

In short: no major complaintsIn full: Obviously the weather played a big part in the enjoyment of the race, but running 26miles isnt exactly fun anyway.I personally thought the water/lucozade stations were great.The route was good enough with some good support.There were a couple of tight corners in the city itself in the first few miles, but generally there was plenty of room.The first 'turnaround' part at around 17miles gave you false hope, but then the right turn instead of heading back was like a kick in the crotch :)...Decent goodybag at the end, nice medal and asics shirt (not 100% cotton either :))Bit of a trek to the poorly signposted train station after though.But you could argue that a 2mile walk is a nice warm down.Crazy scheduling however.Hourly trains back to Edinburgh, and packed to the rafters.Sure it would improve as an event if the finish was at least within walking distance of Edinburgh.The finish in Musselburgh after all that toil left a lot to be desired, and it would have sorted out some of the travelling difficulties.Overall enjoyed the occasionDate of review: June 25, 2009

In full: Did not experience any problems with the water stations. The spectators where excellent, thank you. It would have been nice to have sponges or showers along the way. The first aid presense could have been better, but they did seem to cope.Better organisation with the shuttle buses next time please !Date of review: June 22, 2009

In short: Too hot for me!!In full: Was it me being blind or were the mile markers incredibly sporadic? Difficult for pacing. Mentally challenging when you run passed the finish at Mile 8, only to run along the coast and back again. Would have been a good race if is was many degrees cooler!Date of review: June 21, 2009

In short: Patchy in places (organisation, support etc) but worth the effortIn full: Edinburgh seems to have something of a split personality. For every good point there is also an equal and opposite bad point.

The course was quite nice, largely downhill or flat so if you train properly (unlike me) then there is definite potential for a pb. Some of the scenary is lovely - Arthurs seat and the woodland sections spring to mind, but then there are the other sections through the coastal towns that are boring and plain at best.

However the coastal towns are where the support is best - the people there were fantastic. Helpful and generous to those struggling with the heat. Contrast that with the centre of Edinburgh where there were barely a handful of people for large stretches.

Other people have complained about the organisation, but I don't think it's fair to blame them if 6000 bottles of water were stolen. Generally they were friendly and doing their best to cope with the harsh conditions. On the other hand, I arrived 25 minutes before the start and was concerned to find the baggage lorries already closed. I was facing the prospect of running with a rucksack before I found the late baggage van.

Overall it was a fun day out with one or two problems, but definitely one I will be back for.Date of review: June 10, 2009

In short: Despite the problems will do this one againIn full: I really enjoyed this race. Shame about the heat (which nobody can help)and the water problem but many positives also. Brilliant support from locals and organisers, a lovely route along the coast, lovely t-shirt. Not going to say anything bad, everybody else has already said it. I enjoyed this anyway inspite of the problems and I would definitely do it againDate of review: June 9, 2009

In short: The hottest day all year In full: Everyone has said the same - what happened to the water stations - even if some was stolen. They did their best to restock - thanks to the local police - there were policemen on motor bikes handing out bottles. More frequent water stations in warm weather might be an idea - it had been forcast all week.The run out in the country was a bit daunting as you didnt know when you would turn around to come back, the two miles up the road made you think that was it and you could turn around but no there were still a few miles to go. Missed the mile markers although my hubby said they were there.As a got myself going again for the last few miles as i was determined to be under 5 hours, i wondered why no one else around me was rushing - i wanted to tell them to hurry up or they would be over 5 hours - i made it in 4.59 ! Didnt like the soft surface on the race track and couldnt find the meeting area. The poor steward was having a problem with people wanting to comeback into the track so didnt have time to tell anyone where anything was.The coloured bus tickets didnt work but no one minded joining the big queue until the bus inspector decided people further back in the queue could get on a bus - he said we would be there all day if we went first come first serve - he gave in to our complaints though. My first marathon and i was not put off - i think these people work all year and try their best - they will get there one day. Date of review: June 9, 2009